The Masters Tournament

The Masters is one of four major championships in men's golf, and the first to take place each year. Unlike the other major championships, the Masters is held every year at the same location: Augusta National Golf Club, which is a private golf club in Augusta, Georgia, USA. The Masters was started by Bobby Jones, who designed Augusta National in conjunction with legendary course architect Alister MacKenzie.

In addition to a cash award, the winner of the tournament is presented with a distinctive green jacket, awarded since 1949, highly coveted among professional golfers. The green sportcoat is actually the official coat worn by members of Augusta National while on the club grounds; each Masters winner becomes an honorary member of the club.

In line with the other majors, winning The Masters gives a golfer several privileges which make his career much more secure, if he is not already one of the elite of the sport. Masters champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors (the US Open, British Open and the PGA Championship) for the next five years, and earn a lifetime invitation to The Masters. They also receive membership on the PGA TOUR for the following five seasons and invitations to THE PLAYERS Championship for five years.